Hi: Im Ken-KU2US The 13 Colonies event manager. If you want a QSL card, only an SASE will suffice, in fact when there isnt an SASE I will still send the card. Yes, the event costs $$$$ to the tune of several thousand. The stamps are the largest expense- +++ thousand!, with all the large envelopes, certificate printing, QSL card printing, labels and other stuff. I was only in the red during the first year in 2009, because we didnt know what the response would be. I put in $900.00 of my own funds to get this started, and seeing what the event has become, I consider it a donation. Many operators do include a $ to help for a QSL and we thank you, but not required. ALSO I would like to thank those who send in a "Above and beyond donation" for their certificate. I may not get back to you, but it is really appreciated. Again, not required. Every year the event gets larger, and it is very hard to plan in advance the supplies needed. I find that I always under estimate. We all have fun and try to make it fun for you folks to. As far as the Op who wants $1 or $2 for a QSL?, well I will leave that up to your discresion. See you all this July-73-Ken

The Advanced class license test I took in 1980 was harder than the extra class test of today! At least thats the way I see it. I have both study guides. Granted, the content is different today because of the addition of digital modes et.et.. I like my 2x2, I will stay where I am..

KE5JPP is right! I have an Alinco DX77 HF base rig. With a snip or deletion of one wire I can now transmit on ALL frequencies from the AM broadcast bands through 11 meters. I donot and will not do this, but I now can use this rig on 60 meters, where before I could not. So it is not hard to convert any radio for the CB bands. I detest the freebanders, but they know this too! Anything can be FCC accepted, but easily modified, no matter who makes the rig. The only difference I can see is that dedicated ham rigs are "clean" on transmit, where these other so called 10 meter rigs are not. That alone should be reason enough to ban them for sale.

I totally agree with the withdrawl of these two censorship bills. I applaud internet sites that are protesting. If the sponsors are successful, and can censor the internet at will, then (I am old fashion somewhat) whats wrong with a good old phone call or a snail mail letter? BUT, When and if the time comes that phones and letters are censored, then out comes the AMMO! Look what Yahoo has done! They insist that you upgrade to a new edition of their email. You have the option, but they dont like it if you dont. They brashly come out and say that with the new email format, they will SCAN your emails for key words, so they can supply their advertisors with info as to what your buying habits are-Yea right! In my case, I didnot upgrade. They blocked me from reading their news articles and blocked me from responding on threads. Get ready folks, it will not be pretty.

Try radiating your gutters if they are metal! My friend does and it really works and is the ultimate in stealth.

I will vote for anyone apposing BO including Mickey Mouse, BUT, I also vote in the primary's and will not vote for Romney after this remark. He said this 7 years ago? OK, it was a freudian slip (What he really believes). Now, I wonder how Santorum feels about us! We know BO wants the FCC to control the internet too! So which way do we turn! Time to stock up on food, ammo and antenna wire!     

My first radio was a Yaesu FRG-7.. Top of the line at the time. Got it brand new when they first came out. This rig was fantastic, and still is . Wadley Loop was the state of the art and I bagged many a rare one with this great classic. Great for MW broadcast band also. I had to get a part time job just to save up for one, on top of my full time job, but worth it. Loved the propaganda from Radio Moscow and Radio Sofia..I still SWL, but QSL cards are a thing of the past-SOB! 

You got to be kidding me! A D-star contest!

Read Part 97. In no way, shape or form does Part 97 describe Amateur Radio as a HOBBY! It does describe amateur radio as a SERVICE! Amateur Radio is a Federal Service when needed FIRST!. The hobby aspect comes into play when part 97 states that operators should demonstrate their radio capabilities and further their experience. This comes in the form of rag chews, special events, QSO parties, nets, even DX. So to say that 97 states that amateur radio is a hobby is 100% WRONG! Yes we treat it as a hobby, but the things we do on the air actually gives us operating experience when we are needed for an emergency. We are familiar with operating protocol, message handling and equipment operation. no one should operate a ham radio in any circumstance unless they are licensed and experienced or if a control operator is present.

Simple solution. load up your gutters if they are metal. This DOES work, and good!

I gotta go with the straight key! This creates your own personal rythem. And, if the bug or paddles break, you always have the old reliable key on hand. If you want to invest in a high quality straight key like a Kent, you wont believe the ease of using it. Very well balanced and almost effortless. Then I would dive into a paddle or bug. You will have the best of both worlds.

I must disagree with using a personal check. A personal check can clear and be paid in minutes! electronically! Using a check can also lead to identity theft because the account number is on the check, plus address info. Use Paypal and pay via credit card. This way you can be assured that if you are scammed paypal and/or your credit card company will help you in case of fraud. Also no information will be given to the scammer by paypal. Your credit card numbers are secured. The scammer must also have a paypal account with bank info also. If you are scammed, paypal will bring that money back from the scammers account or credit card. If a large amount of money, paypal will put a hold on the transaction untill the $$$ are verified and paid. PO money oders and western union are no-no's. Donot take a business check from anyone. you will have no recourse. No certified cashiers checks either. I have been scammed before, but never with Paypal..

Looks like my toilet bowl after eating a pizza supreme!

The Advanced class will always be, until the last advanced class holder dies! But there will be no more advanced class tickets issued.

My friend lives in an apartment. His gutters are metal. The downspout came down right next to his ground floor window. All he did was scraped some paint off the bottom of the downs spout, attached an alligator clip for the driven part of the gutter-tenna, drove in a 4' gnd rod. Ran both wires in thru the window to the tuner. He gets out great! EU, SA, USA, I couldnt believe it! Tunes in with low swr from 20m to 80m. His gutters are about 70' long.Why use a wire attached to a gutter, when the gutter is even better? The wire may interact with the gutter if you get close. What he has is an end fed long wire-gutter-grounded. believe me it works, and well! All with only 100 watts!